Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of mothers regarding
immunization of one year old child at Mawatch Goth,
Kemari Town, Karachi

Nighat Nisar1, Muddasir Mirza2, Majid
Hafeez Qadri3

ABSTRACT

Objectives: To assess the knowledge,
attitude and practices of mothers regarding immunization of one year old child
at Mawatch Goth, Kemari town, Karachi, Pakistan.

Methodology: A cross sectional study was
conducted among mothers having one year old child at Mawatch Goth, Kemari
town, Karachi in February 2007. All mothers having less than one year old
child were interviewed through a semi structured questionnaire regarding
immunization knowledge attitude and practices. The data collected through a
questionnaire entered and analyzed by using SPSS program version 15.

Results: Majority of the mothers were
illiterate, belonging to low-income group and not aware about the name of
diseases in EPI Program. Majority (70%) of women started routine immunization
of the child. The reasons for missing vaccination schedule were lack of
understanding of next appointment, non availability of health staff, mild flu
and others reasons like household work. About thirty one percent mothers quit
immunization after missing one dose. Health care staff was the main source of
information. A positive attitude was reflected from both the parents towards
immunization. A significant number stated that vaccination is contraindicated
in mild illness of child.

Conclusion: The knowledge of our mothers
about vaccination was found inadequate with strong positive attitude and
limited practices